Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR II - £550/ $845

The original version of this lens was a hit. This mark II version looks almost identical, but important updates include a four-stop optical stabiliser rather than a three-stop one.

The zoom mechanism has also been redesigned, as the original lens was often criticised for zoom creep between 24-135mm. The issue hasn't been cured completely, but a zoom lock switch at 18mm has also been added. Two high-performance ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements are still present, but updated lens coatings further reduce ghosting and flare.

Performance

Handling outstrips that of any other DX-format lens on test, with a silky-smooth focus ring. The fast, near-silent ring-type ultrasonic autofocus means it's also the only DX lens on which the focus ring doesn't rotate during autofocus, yet enables full-time manual focus override. Distortion is quite pronounced at the 18mm end of the zoom range but the in- camera correction on Nikon's latest bodies combats it well.

Sharpness

Excellent throughout almost all of the zoom range. There's plenty of sharpness right into the corners of the frame.